Faculty Senate
September 2, 2005
Call to Order: Michael Patton called the meeting to order at 2:05 pm.
Members Present: Misty Bennett, Charlotte Daughhetee, Brook Miller, Michael Patton, M.E. Spencer, Elizabeth Thrower, Cindy Tidwell, Eric Vaccarella, Samantha Webb, Jill Wicknick
Approval of April 29, 2005 Minutes: Elizabeth Thrower and Misty Bennett indicated that they were present at the April 29th meeting but were not listed as present. Brook Miller moved that the minutes be approved pending the addition of these names to the members present list. Elizabeth Thrower seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
President’s Report: Michael Patton reported on the following items
- He will be meeting with the President soon to discuss continued issues of concern addressed by last year’s senate.
- The presidential hiring process and timeline was explained and discussed. The need for faculty input in the hiring process was stressed. Michael Patton will keep the senate apprised as the search progresses.
- The senate had planned to host a luncheon for the board of trustees this fall semester. Due to the presidential search, the trustees will have a lot of demands on their time. Therefore, it was suggested that we postpone the luncheon or try to coordinate the luncheon with a time that the trustees will be on campus for meetings related to the search.
- The Arts and Sciences Dean search has been re-opened and there is no news to report at this time.
Old Business:
- The faculty survey results have been compiled and will be distributed to the faculty senate next week. The faculty senate will distribute the results to their colleges this semester.
New Business:
- Michael Patton will host informal group discussions related to the vision and future of the university and the role of faculty voice and governance in the fulfillment of the university’s mission.
- The issue of program coordinators for large departments was raised. Specific guidelines will be developed to present to the administration.
- Charlotte Daughhetee volunteered to chair the Bookstore Committee and Eric Vaccarella volunteer to chair the Student Activities Center Committee. Other committee assignments will be made at the next senate meeting.
- Michael Patton will email the faculty to introduce Jill Wicknick as the new Faculty Senate Ombudsperson.
- The senate decided to plan a faculty lounge cookout once the weather is cooler.
Announcements: The next meeting is September 16, 2005 at 2:00 pm in the Merrill room.
Adjournment: Michael Patton moved that we adjourn, Elizabeth Thrower seconded, the motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 2:48 pm.
Charlotte Daughhetee, Faculty Senate Secretary